Patient Awareness, Involvement and Learning Needs in Health Technology Assessment: Results of an International Survey

Abstract

Introduction: Patient involvement in Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is nascent globally especially in Asia. The aim was to assess patient awareness, involvement and learning needs of HTA, particularly in Asia and to provide insights for future HTA training.Methods: From 25 October 2021 to 29 July 2022, an anonymous online survey questionnaire was sent to patients, caregivers and patient advocates in 33 countries worldwide to assess three aspects of HTA, namely Patient Awareness, Patient Involvement and Patient Learning Needs. Results: The survey was completed by 170 patients and caregivers, 74.7% (127 of 170) from Asian region and 25.3% (43 of 170) from Non-Asian region. Globally, patient awareness was low with 52.3% (89 of 170) rated "1 – Not familiar at all/I don’t know” in “Health Technology Assessment (HTA)” variable. Patient involvement was extremely low as well, with only 14.1% having participated in the HTA process, and 9.3% participated in the training. In the Asian group, patient awareness was significantly lower than the Non-Asian group in most aspects of HTA. Patient involvement was relatively low in Asian group. The Asian group were significantly less likely to participate in HTA discussion (p=0.021) and less willing to attend the HTA courses (p=0.040) than the Non-Asian group. There was a strong patient learning need in Asia. For those participants who had not attended HTA training, a majority of 64.4% (76 of 118) of the Asian group was willing to participate, while a high 85.7% (24 of 28) of the Non-Asian group was willing to participate. While the mean patient awareness score and participation in HTA discussion of the Asian group was significantly lower than the Non-Asian high-income group, the Asian group did not differ significantly from the Non-Asian low-and middle-income group in both aspects. The most preferred learning topic in both Asian group and Non-Asian group was “What are medical devices and diagnostics, and how are they relevant to patients and caregivers?”. The Asian group preferred short duration video learning modes while the Non-Asian group preferred written materials. Conclusion: Patient awareness and involvement in HTA were low globally and even lower in Asian compared to Non-Asian regions. The HTA situation in Asia was similar to that of Non-Asian low- and middle-income countries. There was a strong patient learning need for HTA globally. Short duration video learning mode was preferred in Asia.